Legion motorcycle ride raises more than $334,000 for children of fallen U.S. servicemembers

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Legion motorcycle ride raises more than $334,000 for children of fallen U.S. servicemembers

More than 220 motorcycles traveling across five states and 1,500 miles have raised more than $334,000 for college scholarships for the children of U.S. servicemembers killed on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

The eighth annual American Legion Legacy Run – sponsored by USAA – left Indianapolis, Ind., on Aug. 18 and traveled through Illinois, Missouri and Oklahoma before ending up in League City, Texas, Aug. 22. Leading up to and along the ride, the motorcyclists raised funds for the Legion's Legacy Scholarship Fund, which was established so the children of fallen servicemembers have the opportunity to pursue a college education. American Legion Riders make up a large percentage of the ride's participants.
"Without the dedication of the people on this ride, there probably wouldn't be a Legacy Scholarship Fund," said American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz, who rode along with the motorcyclists every day of the Legacy Run. "I don't know if you can say enough about the people on this ride and their dedication to their fellow servicemembers and their families."

During the ride, the motorcyclists also stopped at a veterans home and hospital and met with U.S. servicemembers recovering at the Fort Hood Warrior Transition Brigade. During that stop, USAA donated $40,000 to help fund this year's Run.

The Legacy Run arrived in League City just as the Legion's national convention is getting underway in Houston, Texas. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations toward this year's Legacy Run are expected throughout the convention. Last year's Legacy Run raised a record $724,524. In its seven years of existence, the Legacy Run has raised more than $3.3 million in scholarship monies.

"We need to take care of our fallen comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us," Koutz said. "It's our responsibility to make sure their children have a chance at an education, and that's why The American Legion Legacy Fund was established. It's a chance to show our appreciation for those tremendous sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform."